Following a devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan, survivors have recounted harrowing experiences of being overlooked during rescue efforts due to strict cultural norms prohibiting contact between unrelated men and women. The tragedy has exposed critical gaps in emergency response protocols, with many women left untreated and trapped under rubble while rescue teams focused on male survivors.
One volunteer who witnessed the rescue operations described the situation as ‘women being invisible,’ emphasizing the dire consequences of these gender-based restrictions. The incident has sparked international condemnation and calls for urgent reforms in disaster relief strategies to ensure equitable treatment of all victims, regardless of gender. Human rights organizations are now urging the Afghan government and international aid agencies to address these systemic barriers and implement inclusive emergency protocols.